Would an MA hold me back long term

[qocha_geog]

So I've been fortunate to receive admissions to a number of my top choice  programs, but there's been one question weighing on me.

My research interests are in geomorphology and remote sensing, so firmly in the quantitative physical geography realm (and I actually applied to a mix of geography and geology programs). One of my top choices, however only offers an MA (no MS option) in Geography. I'm not concerned with implications for the research itself, as my potential advisor and his students publish in more technically oriented journals and conferences, but want to know if anyone had any insight if this could have longer term impacts for PhD admissions, and jobs down the road. Within academia I'm less concerned as I expect to mostly be judged off of research output, but I'm more worried If I end up in the private sector that some HR person will immediately overlook my resume if other applicants have an MS.

I get the traditions and bureaucratic reasons why a Dept would only offer an MA, but would hate to later in life realize I missed out on opportunities because of it. Does anyone know of examples of professors who were successful in Physical Geography/Geology with an MA?

For context the school is a large flagship public school with a very good reputation in Geography (and a top 10 reputation in geology). The other school primarily in the running is a smaller public school, with an excellent regional reputation but less of a national brand. There I would be in the MS Geology program.

[rising_star]

Short answer, no. Plenty of MA programs in geography are funded and few geography PhD programs accept applicants without a MA/MS (unless they have them earn it along the way). It won't matter so much where you got your MA but your research experience and thesis will matter if you decide to go on to a PhD.

[qocha_geog]

@rising_star  Thank you. My question is less with regards to where I get the degree and more whether it is an MA or an MS, (and I have been fortunate with funding results so far).

As in would I run into issues applying to more technically oriented jobs or PhD programs with an MA degree, even if my research/publications etc are oriented as such.

For example, if I apply for a job and they're considering myself and another candidate who has an MS, would the MA be held against me, assuming similar other qualifications? I understand that this would be very context dependent but just looking for some input.

[rising_star]

Difficult to say. Some schools/departments only grant the MA degree, regardless of one's degree focus. While some employers may specify that a M.S. is needed, the only want to figure this out would be by looking at recent job ads.

[Dryad]

On 2/10/2018 at 11:53 AM, qocha_geog said:

So I've been fortunate to receive admissions to a number of my top choice  programs, but there's been one question weighing on me.

My research interests are in geomorphology and remote sensing, so firmly in the quantitative physical geography realm (and I actually applied to a mix of geography and geology programs). One of my top choices, however only offers an MA (no MS option) in Geography. I'm not concerned with implications for the research itself, as my potential advisor and his students publish in more technically oriented journals and conferences, but want to know if anyone had any insight if this could have longer term impacts for PhD admissions, and jobs down the road. Within academia I'm less concerned as I expect to mostly be judged off of research output, but I'm more worried If I end up in the private sector that some HR person will immediately overlook my resume if other applicants have an MS.

I get the traditions and bureaucratic reasons why a Dept would only offer an MA, but would hate to later in life realize I missed out on opportunities because of it. Does anyone know of examples of professors who were successful in Physical Geography/Geology with an MA?

For context the school is a large flagship public school with a very good reputation in Geography (and a top 10 reputation in geology). The other school primarily in the running is a smaller public school, with an excellent regional reputation but less of a national brand. There I would be in the MS Geology program.

Hasn't been an issue.